Last year the 7th March saw the event Hatsune Miku Symphony 2017 which involved vocaloid songs blended with classical instruments via the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. And now coming up to the year anniversary of the event, there’s a special home release to mark the event.

Can you believe that blue haired vocaloid, Hatsune Miku, has been around for 10 years? Me neither but her impact has been considerable across pop culture, cosplay and the music scene. To mark the occasion, Good Smile Company are going to be releasing a special Hatsune Miku figure which has been designed by manga artist Mari Shimazaki and expertly crafted by sculptor Takayuki Kawahara. This figure is absolutely eye wateringly beautiful, just have a look at the pics below.

Hatsune Miku: 10th Anniversary Ver.

Hatsune Miku: 10th Anniversary Ver.

Hatsune Miku: 10th Anniversary Ver.

Hatsune Miku: 10th Anniversary Ver.

Hatsune Miku: 10th Anniversary Ver.

Hatsune Miku: 10th Anniversary Ver.

Also comes with a 390 page A4 size commemorative book entitled the “Hatsune Miku Archive”.

This is one good looking figure especially with the translucent parts added to the outfit with minute little sparkles thrown in to really make her stand out and sparkle. There’s also a special 10th anniversary official site loaded with more pics and info. There’s also a section on the anniversary Nendoroid as well! Pre-orders are open right now but you’re in for a hefty wait as the figure doesn’t release until December 2018 but this is one figure to add to your collection. PS. My pre-order is in!

It’s nearly time for birthday shenanigans of that cutest of vocaloids, Hatsune Miku and Japan is gearing up to celebrate in style. Here’s a really quick teaser clip, from the website, of some of the events in store to mark the 5th anniversary of the Magical Mirai celebrations:

Looks like there’ll be an expo, concert and heaps more fun in store for everyone to help Miku celebrate her birthday. Hatsune Miku: Magical Mirai 2017 will be going down at Makuhari Messe from September 1 through to September 3 this year.

It’s very late in the day and I can’t believe I almost forgot this but today is Hatsune Miku Day! Today, March the 9th or 3/9 for US readers, is remembered at the virtual idol’s day due to the phonetic pronouncement of the date. So with no further excuse needed, here are some pics of the famous vocaloid by her massive fanbase.

Hard to believe but that blue haired vocaloid, Hatsune Miku, has been around for ten years already. I know, where has the time gone? To commemorate the occasion, Exit Tunes will be releasing a limited edition four disc album called “Vocalohistory feat. Hatsune Miku”.

There will only 3939 copies made of this CD and you may be wondering why the odd number of 3939? The number can also be pronounced as Miku Miku! The CD will also have art cards inside the packaging, an art book featuring artwork from RAHWIA, Komine, CHRIS plus more as well as 15 badges will be included too.

The album releases on March 15 2017 and pre-orders are now open from various online stores like Amazon Japan and Animate. The album will retail for ¥8000 so with shipping, you’re looking at close to $100 if not a little bit more.

My favourite blue haired vocaloid, Hatsune Miku, seems to be making an appearance on everything. From music CD’s, DVD’s, merchandise, figmas, nendoroids and now she’s appearing on a new credit card from Japanese bank, Sumitomo Mitsui. But it’s not enough that she appears on the card looking amazing. No sir, you should see what the incentives and bonuses are for signing up for the new card.

The same bank has done this before, releasing a Miku card last year in September so fans were overjoyed to see this new card. Now let’s look at the awesome bonuses, the first 300 applicants will receive this cool clear file:

This cool iD sticker will be given to the first 2000 people to opt for the e-moneyiD option:

Like most credit cards these days, the card will have a points system that accumulates as you spend money. Accrue 600 points and you can redeem them for these cool card sleeves:

1000 points gets you this t shirt:

While 5000 points nets you this awesome Miku case:

And for the big spenders who lash out and shop big time and spend more than ¥70, 000 between September 9 and December 31, 50 of them will be entered into a draw to win a Nendoroid Jumbo Hatsune Miku (Metallic Version).

SMASH! have just dropped a massive bit of news, vocaloid superstar IA will be making an appearance at this year’s event! Here’s the press release with the amazing news.

INTERNATIONAL VOCALOID POPSTAR, IA, TO MAKE HER AUSTRALIAN DEBUT AT SMASH! 2016

Sydney, NSW, July 29th, 2016: Get ready to party — Australia’s #1 Japanese pop-culture event has once again catapulted to world-class status (and beyond)! In an Australian first, international Vocaloid sensation, IA , will be coming to SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show to perform live at SMASH!’s 10th anniversary event on August 20th.

A virtual popstar created as part of the vocal synthesis program ‘VOCALOIDTM3’, IA is the world’s latest muse that has taken the world by storm. For many fans and creators of the industry, IA has been praised as a reliable voice-bank library in which users can create unique songs and videos. Since IA’s debut in 2011, she has has collectively garnered more than 100 million views in Japan and abroad, and her popularity will no doubt rise even further when she makes her Australian debut.

Presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney, this cultural collaboration between JPF Sydney and SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show marks the fourth consecutive year for both organisations. Acknowledging SMASH!’s dedication to bringing the best of Japan to Australia, JPF Sydney’s representative Jessica Chow congratulates the SMASH! team for “reaching a significant milestone”.

“By sponsoring special guests for conventions like SMASH!, fans will be able to meet and interact with Japanese stars, and reaffirm their love for pop culture.

IA is an ambassador for Japan’s modern culture and technology. Her debut in Australia is a great opportunity to connect with anime fans, as well as people in other fields. We look forward to seeing the new possibilities that her appearance may bring to Australia’s arts scene.”

Since her debut in Japan, IA has reached out to her international audience with many successful solo concerts in France, London, Singapore, and Taiwan. Following a string of recent successful concerts in United States including New York and Los Angeles, SMASH! President Andrew Qiu could not be more “ecstatic” about IA’s first Australian appearance.

“IA’s appearance at SMASH! 2016 solidifies the convention’s position as the #1 platform for Japanese pop-culture in Australia,” Qiu said.

“With JPF Sydney’s continuous support, it is SMASH!’s mission to bring unique talents, and deliver world-class content and entertainment every year. And what better way to celebrate SMASH!’s 10th anniversary than having superstar IA perform at our event.”

In addition to IA’s exclusive performance, she will be joined by the likes of Hachioji P and DJ Catalystic at the anniversary party. Other SMASH! 2016 guests include Japanese voice actor Hideo Ishikawa (Naruto), Japanese voice actress Ai Nonaka (Madoka Magica), and cosplayers Yuegene Fay and Goldy.

Two things I love coming together puts a smile on my face, Hatsune Miku and classical music. In a special one off event for just one night, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Crypton Future Media are coming together on August 26, 2016. The blue haired Vocaloid will be providing the vocals while backing music will be provided by the orchestra.

The event will be going down in the Chiyoda ward at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A in Marunouchi. If you want to grab tickets, they go on sale June 28. Class A seats will set you back ¥8,000 while a special seat that comes with a pamphlet and limited goods will sell for ¥14, 800. As a bonus, formal attire won’t be required and casual dress will be the code for the night.

Time for another Cosplayer Of The Month update…and this month it’s none other than Neko Chaos Cosplay! Neko has done some incredibly awesome cosplays from her sexy Pikachu, Sinon from SAO II, Shimakaze from KanColle and more. Having mentioned Shimakaze, you need to check it out below…it’s so amazing and on point!

Neko is one cosplayer who always brings imaginative ideas to the genre with a great degree of skill. If you haven’t had a chance, check out her Facebook page (LINK) and I’ve also linked to photographer Neil Creek’s photoshoots with her.